Recommended Scars Removal Treatment in New Orleans
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Scar Removal in New Orleans – Scar Revision for a New You
Scars can be an unpleasant reminder of a past surgery or injury. Although most are painless, they alter the appearance of your skin and leave behind rough, discolored areas.
At Sadeghi Center for Plastic Surgery, we offer scar removal and scar revision treatments to help men and women in the New Orleans and Metairie area boost their self-confidence with smoother, clearer skin.
What is Scar Removal?
Scar removal, also sometimes known as scar revision, is a cosmetic treatment designed to improve the appearance of existing scars by modifying their size, shape, or overall appearance.
Scar removal can be carried out on any type of scar, such as:
- Fine-line scars — The most subtle type of scar, typically caused by minor wounds like a cut. The scar begins as a raised line that gradually fades and flattens.
- Keloid scars — Keloid scars are a large overgrowth of tissue caused by excess collagen production at the site of a wound. They are often raised above the skin and can extend beyond the borders of the wound. These scars can be itchy and painful, and can also restrict movement if they occur near a joint.
- Hypertrophic scars — Similar to keloid scars, hypertrophic scars result from excess collagen production at the site of a wound. However, they do not extend beyond the borders of the original wound and can keep thickening for up to 6 months after the injury before gradually improving over the next few years.
- Pitted or sunken scars — Unlike other types of scars, scars caused by conditions like acne or chickenpox are sunken instead of raised. Pitted scars can also be caused by injuries that affect the skin’s underlying fat.
- Scar contractures — Typically caused by burns, scar contractures create a “tight” feeling and can restrict movement because of the skin “shrinking.”
- Tummy tuck scar — is a scar that results from a tummy tuck surgery, also known as an abdominoplasty. During a tummy tuck, excess skin and fat are removed from the abdominal area, and the remaining skin is tightened and pulled together to create a smoother, firmer abdomen. This can result in scarring, which can be unsightly and cause discomfort for some people. Laser tummy tuck scar removal is a special type of laser treatment that uses special technology to break down scar tissue. This helps to smooth out the appearance of the scar. It is important to note that laser tummy tuck scar removal is not a replacement for tummy tuck surgery, but rather a treatment option after the procedure to improve the appearance of scarring.
Scars can affect a patient both physically and psychologically. Physical discomfort, diminished self-esteem, and insecurity about the body are possible side-effects of scars, which is why many seek trusted plastic surgeons for scar removal procedures.
However, it’s important to note that scar removal procedures can’t make scars disappear completely — they simply make scars smaller and less visible. Your new revision surgery scar will blend in with the natural color and creases of your skin.
What is the Best Procedure for Scar Removal?
The best removal technique for a scar will depend on what type of scar you have. Some popular procedures involve:
- Chemical peels
- Microneedling
- Steroid injections
- Silicone gel sheets or topical silicone gel
- Laser treatments
Dr. Ali Sadeghi is highly experienced in cutting-edge laser scar removal techniques, which are especially effective in improving scar color and allowing them to easily blend in.
How Much is a Laser Scar Removal?
On average, you can expect laser scar removal or laser resurfacing costs to range from $300 to $3,900. The actual costs for your procedure will vary depending on the specifics, such as what type of scars you have, their current condition, your goals for the treatment, additional treatments like fillers, facility and operating room fees, and so on.
Cost of keloid scar removal surgery and laser treatment
The cost of keloid scar removal surgery and laser treatment for keloids in New Orleans can vary greatly depending on a number of factors, including the size and location of the keloid, the type of treatment being performed, and the individual surgeon’s fees.
In general, keloid removal surgery is likely to be more expensive than laser treatment for keloids. The exact cost of surgery will depend on the complexity of the procedure and the amount of scar tissue that needs to be removed. Some surgeons may also charge additional fees for pre- and post-operative care.
Laser treatment for keloids is typically less expensive than surgery, but the cost can still vary widely. The cost depends on the location and size of the keloid, the type of laser used, and how many treatment sessions are needed to get the desired results.
It is important to note that keloid scar removal surgery and laser treatment for keloids are usually considered cosmetic procedures, which means that they may not be covered by insurance. As such, it is important to discuss the costs of these treatments with your doctor and consider your budget when making a treatment decision.
The best way to get an estimate tailored to your situation is by scheduling a consultation with us.
Contact the Sadeghi Center for Plastic Surgery in New Orleans by calling 504-517-0022 to get a personalized consultation and price estimation from Dr. Sadeghi.
How Does Laser Scar Removal Work
Laser scar removal, also known as laser skin resurfacing, uses a laser beam composed of very intense light energy. Surgeons will direct the laser over the scar and the beam breaks down the outermost layer of skin, called the epidermis.
At the same time, the inner layer of the skin, called the dermis, is subject to the heat from the laser. This stimulates collagen production and allows the skin to repair and reconstruct itself. The strength and the depth of the laser treatment will depend on your scar’s needs.
As laser treatments break down the topmost layer of your skin and stimulate natural repair, they are effective in reducing the size, color, and texture of scars, no matter where those scars are — even on your face.
Some patients may feel discomfort with laser skin resurfacing on their face as the skin on the area is particularly sensitive. Your comfort is our priority, so we numb your skin with local anesthesia before treatment begins.
If the area you’re targeting for scar revision is rather large, you may be sedated for the procedure.
How Long Does Laser Scar Removal Take
Laser scar removal takes quite a while, although maybe not for the reasons you would imagine. The actual surgical procedure can be completed in as little as 30 minutes to two hours, although you might need additional sessions over several weeks or months to achieve the results you want.
The healing and recovery period is what will take up a significant chunk of time. Immediately after a laser resurfacing treatment, your skin will be raw, swollen, and itchy.
Dr. Sadeghi will advise you on how to best ease your discomfort and care for your skin while it heals. During this time, you need to avoid products or activities that can irritate your skin. Avoiding exposure to the sun and its UV rays is an absolute must. It typically takes one to two weeks for new skin to cover the affected area and a month for a full recovery.
Who is the Best Candidate for the Procedure?
The best candidates for scar revision surgery generally have lighter skin and have not been recently exposed to any sources of UV light (e.g. the sun or tanning beds). In addition, they aren’t prone to developing keloids or hypertrophic scars, don’t have existing skin conditions (e.g. dermatitis, cold sores), and are in good health.
This is because the laser beam is attracted to pigments (melanin) within the skin. As those with darker skin naturally have higher melanin and exposure to UV light also encourages the creation of melanin, possible side effects of laser treatment could be more scarring or pigmentation.
That’s not to say that you can’t get laser treatments if you have naturally dark skin — it’s possible to lower the laser’s strength during sessions, although it will take longer to see results.
For those that are prone to developing raised scars, there is a risk of additional scarring due to the lasers breaking down the epidermis.